Looking at buying a Ti AWD Fusion

[SangreJoven]

Hello everyone. I’m looking at purchasing a Ti AWD Fusion. I’m primarily looking at higher mileage ones (around 100k or higher). I’m also looking for ones with heated/cooled seats, blind spot monitoring and a heated steering wheel. Unfortunately, what I’m learning from my searches is that not all Ti trims are equipped the same, so it’s been interesting trying to find one like I want. 
 

from what I can tell, the only way to verify if a model has heated/cooled seats and a heated steering wheel is if there’s a picture of the climate control screen showing those options. However, I recently saw a model that had a steering wheel button with a P on it (see attached). Is this a dedicated heated steering wheel button?

 

Also, for those of you who’ve got an AWD model, is it reliable? I’ve researched it a little and it sounds like most people recommend changing the AWD oil around every 30k eventhough Ford originally said it was good for the life of the vehicle. Does this sound correct?

 

Please post up anything else I should be aware of too like known issues and other quirks. 
 

Thanks in advance!

[drolds1]

That's not a heated steering wheel button.  The latter has a different icon: .  What you've circled is the Active Park Assist switch:

 

I don't have a Fusion. I have an MKZ, but there's no difference for these purposes.  Yes, it's a good idea to change the fluid in the AWD PTU at 30K.  See this video.

 

Perhaps some Fusion owners will weigh in with some pointers, pitfalls, etc.  In a general sense, if you're looking at cars with 100K+ miles, I'll just recommend that you spend the money for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, Ford dealer or otherwise.  if you could get a full service history on the car, that would be very helpful as well.

 

 

[SangreJoven]

Thanks for the information. That makes a lot more sense. And, yeah, a preinspection is definitely a good idea. 
 

I’ve been looking at the MKZs too. They’re both fantastic looking vehicles. 

[SangreJoven]

Also, since I’m buying with higher mileage, would you recommend avoiding an AWD model due to possible PTU oil issues?

Edited July 24, 2021 by SangreJoven

[drolds1]

17 hours ago, SangreJoven said:

Also, since I’m buying with higher mileage, would you recommend avoiding an AWD model due to possible PTU oil issues?

Is AWD a must-have for you?  If so, I'd only look at ones that have a service history, so that you can determine whether it's ever been serviced or replaced.  Or, have a Ford dealer inspect the car, and they should be able to determine that. 

 

If you can live without AWD, then avoid the additional weight, complexity and lower MPG that comes with the territory.

 

Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

Edited July 24, 2021 by drolds1

[SangreJoven]

3 minutes ago, drolds1 said:

Is AWD a must-have for you?  If so, I'd only look at ones that have a service history, so that you can determine whether it's ever been serviced or replaced.  Or, have a Ford dealer inspect the car, and they should be able to determine that. 

 

If you can live without AWD, then avoid the additional weight, complexity and lower MPG that comes with the territory.

 

Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

I can definitely live without AWD (especially since it’s kinda unreliable). Thanks for the heads up.   

[bbf2530]

8 hours ago, SangreJoven said:

I can definitely live without AWD (especially since it’s kinda unreliable). Thanks for the heads up.   

 

Hi Sangre. The AWD system is actually quite reliable. But like any feature on any make/model of vehicle, some owners do have problems. 

 

However, if you do not need AWD and can live without it, then there is no sense paying for it, since it does add cost, weight, complexity, and slightly lower mpg's.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.